Fire! Now What?
An onboard fire is one of the most feared events. What you do about it in the first few seconds will likely determine the outcome. As with any fire that threatens people or property, the time between ignition and detection is critical. Fiberglass burns ferociously, and wood, particularly dry, resin-soaked wood, burns quickly. In engine […]
Smoke Detectors
Reliable smoke detectors have been around for decades, however, early smoke detectors went through a growing pain phase. How To Protect Yourself And Your Vessel Within the last week I’ve read about several serious vessel fires, one in Thailand aboard a 62-foot trawler and another in Coconut Grove, Florida, which started aboard a 65-foot motor […]
Don’t Forget To Check It!
11 points worth checking before you hit the road. While this may look like a lot to do — it might just save you a whole lot of trouble. 1. Safety chains or cables need to be crisscrossed between the trailer and the tow vehicle, not simply attached. When this is done, if the trailer disconnects […]
What Do You If You Hit a Submerged Object
Striking submerged objects are the second most frequent claim. If you can’t avoid it, know what do if you hit something in the water. In my three decades as an accredited marine surveyor, I’ve seen struck submerged object (SSO) claims that involve floating logs, pilings, dock timbers, tree branches, moorings, dredge pipes, floating nets, crab […]
Navigational Hazards Or Hazard to Navigation?
A marine-accident investigator shows how it’s easier to probe a case with a hazard to navigation than when the skipper is the navigational hazard. A navigational hazard is pretty clearly defined as something you might hit on the water. A “hazard to navigation,” however, could very well be the person at the helm. BoatUS Marine […]
Avoiding Boat Electrical Mistakes
Problems in your boats electrical system can destroy your pride and joy. Be especially careful around these common problem areas. In any given year, I inspect quite a few boats. These range from simple tenders to extremely complicated power and sailing yachts. When it comes to electrical systems and their installations, I keep a watchful […]
Preventing Mold & Mildew
Storing a boat out of the water in the winter won’t keep mold and mildew at bay. Learn to prevent this in order to keep your boat in shape. Most boat insurance policies (including BoatUS/GEICO Marine) typically don’t cover mold damage. So it can be a rude awakening to open your boat in the spring […]
Boating Safety
Understand your boat, follow navigation rules, wear life jackets, stay alert to weather changes, and take a Boating Safety Class. “Fun,” “speed,” “freedom” and “escape” are the catch phrases often hyped by boat advertisers who rarely use the word “safety.” But safety is just as important since the marine environment can be unforgiving. Safe boating […]
Do I Need Boat Insurance?
You’re probably not required by law to carry boat insurance, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to get it. A few states require that you have liability coverage on certain types of boats — powerboats with more than 50 horsepower or personal watercrafts (PWCs), for example — or on boats used in state parks […]
What To Know About Boat Insurance
Learn the essential steps for drilling into fiberglass on your boat, whether installing equipment or making repairs. What Should A Boat Insurance Policy Include? Coverage for the boat, engine, boating equipment, dinghies, and trailer. Medical payments coverage for onboard injuries and liability coverage for any property damage or bodily injury you are legally responsible for. […]
